Seismic Performance of Columns with Grouted Couplers in Idaho Bridges

Abstract

<p>Accelerated Bridge Construction (ABC) methods have been limited in moderate-to-high seismic regions because of concerns about the performance of connections. A study was carried out for the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) on the seismic performance of precast columns with grouted couplers versus the conventional cast-in-place columns. Experimental data provided the necessary input to model the grouted couplers. Using the OpenSees finite element analysis program, selected bridges were subjected to the seismic conditions of the most seismically active location in Idaho. The stresses in both the longitudinal reinforcing bars and the grouted coupler regions are found to be well within acceptable ranges. The largest column drift, using a combination of orthogonal displacements, is about 1.6 percent. Furthermore, grouted couplers may be used to connect precast columns to footings or cap beams for columns with less than 4 percent drift.</p>

<i>Retracted: </i>Performance of Grouted Coupler Embedded in Reinforced Concrete ABC Bridge Pier at Vehicle Impact

“…The grouted couplers are strategically placed in the location where plastic hinges are expected to form at the pier-foundation connection [14]. In this study, splice-sleeves (Figure 1) considered from manufacturers catalogue, and grouted couplers are placed and embedded into the foundation as shown in Figure 2(a & b).…”

“…To analyze the impact characteristics of grouted coupler, it is placed in the pierfoundation connection to evaluate the performance standard of the splice sleeve and grouted coupler mechanism as a composite material [13]. The connection of splice sleeve is further studied in the report proposed by 'Idaho Transportation Department' using grouted couplers [14]. A study of the structural reliability of RC piers subjected to sequential loading exerted by blast and vehicular impact were also studied.…”

“…In the present study, splice-sleeves along with high grade concrete grouted coupler are embedded into the pier-foundation, placing the foundation top and the coupler cross-section in the same level, as shown in Figure 1. However, plastic hinges are expected to form in the weakest part of the pier, predicting dissipation of maximum energy [8], particularly at the pier-foundation junction as predicted and specified [16]. Performance of single pier due to dynamic impact exerted by vehicle collision on it, undergoing high frontal overpressure [2] as well.…”

Investigation of the performance of grouted couplers in vehicle impacted reinforced concrete ABC bridge piers

“…This implies that an increase in the stiffness of the column could possibly help it withstand the external forces caused by vehicular impact. Traditional pier sections have been studied as a means of increasing the stiffness of reinforced concrete (RC) columns to improve their seismic performance, energy dissipation (Roy and Sorensen 2021a), failure mechanism in terms of crack propagation (Roy and Sorensen 2021b), and to overcome the development of plastic hinges (Ebrahimpour et al 2016;Girão Coelho et al 2012;Pantelides et al 2014;Tazarv and Saiidi 2016). The failure mechanism of the grouted coupler at the post behavior from vehicle impact at high strain rate loading has been presented in this study.…”

“…This study presents the grouted coupler section undergoing short duration vehicle impact load to predict the coupler behavior, material properties and post impact performance as well. Splice-sleeve along with high grade concrete grouted coupler are placed where plastic hinges are highly expected to form (Ebrahimpour et al 2016), particularly at the pier and pier-foundation junction. Performance of the pier and the dynamic impact on it are studied for axially compressive stress, and the combined stresses as a result of residual flexure due to impact at column base for individual coupler.…”